Albany NY

Albany, NY, the legislative capital of the State of New York, United States of America, situated on the W. bank of the Hudson river, 142 miles N. of New York city. Originally founded by the Dutch in 1612, it is one of the oldest settlements in the States. The British took possession of it in 1664, and Charles II. granted the colony to the Duke of York and Albany, from whom the chief town derived its name. As a centre of trade with the lakes and the Western States Albany has become wealthy and popular. Large quantities of timber, flour, and other produce are exported, and manufacturing industries have grown up. The Capitol, a fine building in the Renaissance style, is adorned by a fresco, the work of the late William Hunt. There is a city hall in marble with a gilded dome, besides a university, and many public schools.